Paint Nite for Ovarian Cancer Canada
My name is Sheri-Lyn. I am a 46 year old Mom of 3 boys, Grandma to 4 beautiful children, and have been married to my wonderful husband for 21 years. I am someone's sister, daughter and granddaughter. I am a sister-in-law, Auntie and niece. I am a lot of things to a lot of people, and I am grateful to be here to say that I am also an ovarian cancer survivor.
I've been told by my gynaecological oncologist that it was "dumb luck" that we found my ovarian cancer at Stage 1C. I am one of the lucky 15% who find it early enough to effectively treat it. My prognosis is excellent, with a 90% five year survival rate.
I had a hysterectomy in 2008, but left my ovaries to prevent the early onset of menopause. I had no family history of ovarian cancer, and no risk factors. I was only 37, so it didn't make sense to take the ovaries. Hindsight is 20/20. In March of 2016, I went through an extensive surgery to remove a 40cm ovarian cyst. They also took both my ovaries, my appendix, part of my omentum and several lymph nodes. I followed my surgery with 6 rounds of chemotherapy.
I was shocked to learn there is no test to detect ovarian cancer. It is entirely a symptom based, process of elimination, time consuming effort to diagnose it. I knew something was wrong, but I put it down to other issues. My PAP and blood work came back as normal. Initially, I was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, a common misdiagnosis. I knew that wasn't right though, so I pushed for a CT scan. A massive cyst was found. Many appointments later, with lots of delays in scheduling appointments, I received the surgery, approximately 2 1/2 months following my CT scan. Ovarian cancer can only be diagnosed and staged with surgery. I am so very lucky to have been diagnosed early.
From the Ovarian Cancer Canada website:
Ovarian Cancer Canada is the only registered Canadian charity solely dedicated to overcoming ovarian cancer. We provide leadership by:
• Supporting women living with the disease and their families
• Raising awareness among the general public and health care professionals
• Funding research to develop early detection techniques, improved treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
I am asking for your support. I am hosting a Paint Nite fundraiser on October 23rd, 2017. There are limited tickets available, and I know some people would prefer to simply make a donation. If you are unable to attend the Paint Nite fundraiser, but would like to help me with my efforts to raise much needed funding, please make a donation to Ovarian Cancer Canada. None of us should have to rely on "dumb luck" to stand a fighting chance against this insidious disease. An early detection test needs to be developed, so we can all "win the lottery" and survive. Funding is imperative to develop an early detection test. Together, we can make a difference.
Here is the link to purchase a Paint Nite fundraiser ticket:
https://www.paintnite.com/events/-10013906
If you are unable to attend the Paint Nite fundraiser, but would like to make a donation, please click on the donate now button.
Thank you for your support,
Sheri-Lyn
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